Highlights of Scotland: Ancient Kingdom of the Scots - Dumbarton, Helensburgh & Mid-Argyll

Trace the very origins of Scotland, amidst spectacular scenery and picturesque towns
and villages.

Kilchurn Castle

Dumbarton Castle

The Crinan Canal

Focus

Click map to enlarge

Inveraray, on Loch Fyne

Follow the A82 North via Loch Lomond to Tarbet (loch cruises), before branching West on the A83 through Inveraray and Lochgilphead.

From Glasgow follow the A82 West to Dumbarton, capital of the Ancient Britons’ Kingdom of Strathclyde. Commanding the Firth of Clyde, Dumbarton Rock has been a natural fortress since Roman times.

Follow the A814 to the elegant, planned town of Helensburgh, birthplace of John Logie Baird, inventor of television. The Hill House is perhaps the most outstanding work of celebrated Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Northwards the hills crowd closer as the A814 crossed into the Highlands, skirting first the Gare Loch, then Loch Long.

Vikings once dragged their long ships from Arrochar across the mile-and-a-half to Tarbet, on Loch Lomondside. The village is dominated by the dramatic peak of The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) and the rest of the Arrochar Alps.

The A83 next climbs steeply over the aptly-named ‘Rest & be Thankful’ pass, to reach Loch Fyne.

The white-painted estate village of Inveraray – seat of the powerful Clan Campbell – offers a host of interesting walks and attractions.

Continue South on the A83 via the Auchindrain Township Museum and beautiful Crarae Gardens.

At Lochgilphead turn North by the A816, passing the Crinan Canal – a popular short cut for boats heading for the West Coast. Beyond lies Kilmartin Glen – steeped in ancient relics, including the hill fort of Dunadd, where the tribe of Scots from Ireland first made their mark, later giving their name to an entire nation.

Beyond Kilmartin the A816 snakes by way of Loch Craignish, Loch Melfort and Loch Feochan, with fine views to the islands of the Inner Hebrides.

The holiday town of Oban enjoys a fine setting overlooking the Firth of Lorn, with plentiful attractions including popular boat trips and regular ferry services to Hebridean islands.

Now follow the A85 via Taynuilt, passing the fascinating ‘Hollow Mountain’ of Ben Cruachan and stunning views across Loch Awe to the ruins of Kilchurn Castle. (Return via the A85/A819 or A85/A82.)

Crarae Gardens

The Cobbler, above Arrochar

Kilmartin House

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LOOK OUT FOR

Auchentoshan Distillery
Tour the distillery and find out how its unique triple distillation produces this famous, light flavoured malt whisky.

Dumbarton Rock & Castle
Dark-age capital of the Ancient Britons’ Kingdom of Strathclyde and later an important royal refuge. Spectacular views of the Clyde Estuary.

Sottish Maritime Museum, Dumbarton
Visit the world’s oldest working ship model testing tank.

The Hill House, Helensburgh
Masterpiece of domestic design by famed Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

Glenarn Gardens, Rhu
Sheltered woodland garden with a Himalayan atmosphere, famed for its rare rhododendrons.

Inveraray Castle
Impressive seat of the Campbell Dukes of Argyll. Present castle dates from the 18th century.

Inveraray Jail
Living 19th century prison – witness trials in the courtroom, meet costumed warders and experience conditions for the inmates.

Auchindrain Township, near Furnace
Restored open-air township, offering a fascinating insight into 18th century Highland life.

Crarae Gardens, by Minard
Spectacular glen sheltering rare trees and exotic shrubs from around the world.

Dunadd Fort, Kilmartin Glen
Historic centre of the original Kings of Scots – settlers from Ireland who went on to give their name to a whole nation.

Kilmartin House
Acclaimed museum of ancient Celtic culture, introducing the atmospheric heritage of Scotland’s richest pre-historic landscape.

Sea Cruises, Oban
Discover the spectacular Firth of Lorn and Loch Linnhe aboard one of several boat trips from Oban waterfront.

Cruachan – the Hollow Mountain, near Taynuilt
Unique experience taking you deep inside a hollow mountain, to see the world’s first reversible pump-storage hydro-electric scheme.

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